Just diagnosed as hypothyroid...once I start meds how long till I feel better?

TSH level was 24.8 but I'm 18 lbs underweight. Had a baby 7 months ago. I feel terrible-exhausted, irritable, short term memory, swaying feeling, cold, dry skin, hair, etc. can anyone help me understand my levels TSH high but T3 and T4 were in normal range??I haven't started any meds yet. Once I do how long does it take to start feeling a little better? I'm scared, confused, and just feel so off

Added 24 Aug 2012:

I've been referred to an endocrinologist and told I will be in medication probably forever... Just curious how lOng it usually takes to notice a difference- weeks? Months?

Responses (10)

You need to see an Endocrinologist. She will check your bloodwork and ask you questions and go from there. You need meds for sure I would think. It can take awhile before you stabilize. She will check your bloodwork every 6-8 weeks to make adjustments until all is well for you.

Hello. I had just talked with my Endo as my readings shot up. He said over 10 is a poor response. Over 20 needs immediate medical attention. You ought to be on meds as we speak.

Thyroid meds take about 6 weeks to adjust. A new TSH is taken and then may be adjusted again until you are in a normal range. The only TSH reading to look at is the composite score. This needs to be between .5 and 3.0. All other scores are a snap shot of just that day. A good Endo does not look at those to see how you are progressing. They are more of a diagnostic tool for their use.

When your TSH is down to a Normal level you will learn where you feel right. Then you and your doc will maintain it there. Periodically you may be readjusted as the body can change.

Please, get into the doc right away and start medication. Your level is at too high of a number. The physical symptoms with dry skin and all will change when you are more normal.

Ok--- hmmm now im a little nervous. I was prescribed levothyroxin 100mcg but didn't get the prescription because I was waiting to see the endo first... And to get a second opinion on that dosage from my obgyn who just did more blOodwork on Friday. My labs should be in on Monday and then my obgyn was going to call in a prescription. Should I take the Levo over the weekend? And then switch to the new prescription in a few days? Or wait for new prescription? I didn't realIze my levels were so drastic as this is all so new to me- will I get worse each day? Is it dangerous not to take medication a few more days?

Please start now exactly as prescribed. Best not to wait. The doctor expected you to start the next day after you got the prescription.

Take first thing in morning on empty stomach. Full glass of water. In half an hour you may eat as usual. Do not take with juice, coffee, etc. only water.

You will do this every day from now on. This is for life and extremely important for you and that child to have a healthy mom.

Only the TSH blood test will tell a doctor how your levels are doing. Other blood tests are for other things. Let your OB know the day you started as future labs are based on timing and this will,be in your records. Time and med dose is what determines future tests and any adjustments. Ask the doc any more questions as all docs are familiar with this.

Let me know if you have other questions. You will start feeling better soon. this is a very easy thing to do once you get the hang of waiting each morning. Also, google the Thyroid site which will tell you lots more. Be well.

Hi Karen... Called the doc who gave the ex for 100levo today and told him about waking up with swollen hands and feet. He said as lOng as I don't have heart palpitation give it a couple weeks and see if it subsides but that he hadn't heard of it as a side effect with the meds. He also said the stiff joints in hands and pain in muscles is probably from the hypo and not meds and the medicine may need more time but if after my TSH is under control if I still have that problem I should be checked for rheumatoid arthritis- ummm arthritis? I'm 29 :(

Hi Declan's mom. Arthritis happens in people at any age. Little kids get it. It is an autoimmune disease and when the body triggers its defense towards itself thinking it is a bacteria or some such thing, arthritis is a possibility. That is crummy news. But don't get too worried about it because the thyroid is the issue right now. It may well clear up once you are back to normal.

You could also have a tick disease like lymes, a different auto immune, and a wole bunch of stuff. Or nothing as your body is under huge stress with the thyroid.

Hang in there girl. You will be ok as long as you are on the meds. I don't feel too happy about your doctor, however. My doc, I talked with him about this, would have you undergoing a whole bunch more tests and possibly in the hospital to watch your response. One thing for sure is if your heart feels like it is jumping around in your chest, get to an ER immediately. No second guessing that.

Well keep writing and vent a bit if you need to do so. my thoughts go with you and this will get better. Karen

Darling- by not taking the meds as prescribed it made your new lab work sort of useless. They were expecting to see in your lab work how the medicine is working. Be honest with the doctor and tell him that you didn't take the meds and why. If you don't tell them this, they probably will give you something much stronger than what you need, and more than your body can handle.

This is the reason I only worry about my TSH-and don't like some doctors that blather about everything else. You are in danger of having heart damage from your metabolism being slowed down so much. When you get your thyroid level straightened out, you'll feel much better, I'd say about 3 months based on my experience-sometimes the feeling of health happens in less than a week, but it takes a bit for the skin and hair to catch up. You probably will have energy in two weeks. I sat in front of the running heater with a sweater or coat on; it was a summer heat wave in Los Angeles, CA. I think that I supported Avon by buying skin care products. The best of luck to you-hang in there-you aren't alone. OK?

I wasn't feeling well and it was getting worse and I went to an urgent care. They had my blOodwork done. Tsh level was 24.8 I took the lab slip into ask what the levels meant the urgent care doc I saw said that he didn't know much about it basically other than I'm hypo and he would call in a prescription. When I asked him about the dose and medication he chose he seemed very uncertain and said he didn't know much about hypo and I need a specialist. I was confused and wanted to talk to a dr who knows me well. The very next day (Friday) my OB (diff doc) had my blood drawn to look at the labs, pick a medication for me and also try and rule out any other underlying problems and see if mine is auto-immune, related to having been pregnant etc. he said my labs should be in Monday (2days away). He will call in a prescrip. And I will see the endo as soon as they can get me in. Are there Other variations of this problem? I'm confused by the extreme weight loss-- I weighed 117 before I was pregnant I'm 5'3" I weighed 140 the day my son was born, today I weigh 101 :( feel like skin and bones! Sorry ... I just feel lOst and nervous about medicating also wondering if I should change any foods I eat? Add or cut anything out? Are there maybe books you reccomend? Need to learn about this fast! Thank you everyone for your help!!

No wonder you feel confused and hesitant. The one thing you didn't say is if you started the meds. I hope you have. Anything right now will help.

When your system is so extreme you will experience the majority of symptoms. I would suggest you eat anything and everything. Your metabolism is revved up and burning calories at a very high rate. Before it starts attacking heart and other organs you have to keep enough in you for the body to burn. Try not to focus on sugar just incase there is diabetes hiding in this. Diabetes also is a big weight loser and has long lasting bad effects. Balance protein, fat and carbs. Lots of fruits and veggies with a good portion of fish or other meats. These take time to burn so are even and help your system maintain constant fuel. I suggest four meals per day of moderate size and snacks in between. Your doc may well have another idea, but this will get you started and put a stop or slow down to the weight loss.

look at the Thyroid website. There is a book that is being recommended here, but I have not read it. I don't have the name but will take a look for it.

The main idea is start now. No more waiting. When anxiety talks we forget our logic. I am someone who has this thyroid issue and am speaking from what I know. Others do as well. You aren't alone. I will be here for you. Karen

Just make sure that your new doctor knows this. Sometimes full information isn't passed on. OK-This sounds stupid, but I lost weight-about 8-12 lbs with each kid. I was 118 when I got married- and weighed in at 80 something after the third and last baby. I'd go to my gyn each month and weigh less, until the baby's weight gain was equal to my weight loss. I also had extremely small placentas. The doctors worried a lot about my diet. I did have morning sickness for the 3 trimesters, but they said it wasn't a factor. I was hydrated, wasn't anemic, all lab work was normal. They didn't have equipment to run thyroid screens at that time. My Irish grandmother looked like a school girl-nice legs-could touch her toes-beautiful red hair-so I doubt that she had thyroid problems, but she lost weight during pregnancies-not as much as I did.

Look at it this way, when you get your middle-age spread-you'll look gorgeous and all of the other women will be jealous of you. I've seen such beautiful and handsome people complain about something; my nose is crooked. I'm too fat-too skinny-ears too big-hair a mess. When we look at our selves in the mirror, we're super critical. I felt like I must look like a skeleton, because I was so thin. My obsession was trying to find hair styles that didn't make me look like a skeleton. I was flat chested, but guys flirted with me, and sometimes women said they envied me because I looked so nice. I didn't believe it. You have a child 7 months old-your hormones from pregnancy and labor are still mixed up. many doctors say that it takes about 18 months for the body to settle down and get back to normal. Then you have a severe thyroid problem. Don't be ashamed of being scatter brained-confused-forgetting things. If somebody makes a comment to me-I tell them that I was born confused. They laugh. Sometimes math is difficult for people with thyroid problems. My husband was in Viet Nam. I'd get a pile of money and a pile of bills, sometimes I couldn't figure it out. Once-the high school bus was dropping off the kids. I went out and asked who was good at math. I dragged the kids in and had them do my bills and balance my check book. It's funny, but they didn't gossip to any adults, and came over and took care of my bills. I'd start by looking at the electric bill-and putting the money on it. Then the gas bill and its money. When my daughter was 12, I put her on my checking account-and my kids balanced the check books. I couldn't add or subtract my way out of a paper bag if my life depended on it. A school teacher called and complained that my daughter had the check book and somehow got her name on it. I thanked her, but told her that my daughter was buying something from her a cheer leader group-and it was okay with the bank and my creditors. I got my thyroid under control- my husband ran off with a female deputy sheriff. I went to the university and became a hs math teacher. As long as you remember where you live, not lose your daughter, and for all of you to eat-U R okay. People without thyroid problems loose their keys or forget where they parked the car, or lock their selves out of the house or car-forget that one bill. At least you can get help-If you're burning food- everybody realizes that you're probably an English major--

I had a friend, Rosie, hyperthyroid, and she gained weight. We're all different-which is why there are so many different types of thyroid medicine. We exhibit different symptoms-one person can be infertile-obviously you and I are fertile. Some have irregular menses-Me! Mostly males have math problems-I'm not a male-but-- some are very angry and sort of hostile-some are very depressed. One of my doctors diagnosed a woman waiting for shipment to the state mental hospital-his first day as an Army doctor-this woman was in a straight jacket-She broke down a few days after her fighter pilot husband was sent to 'Nam. Couldn't feed herself or her children. This wonderful kid-my doctor-said- "Did anybody do a thyroid test?" They did one a few hours later-put her on thyroid. When her husband arrived home 3 days later, she was home and cooking a meal.

He said that he knew that I had thyroid problems-the equipment showed me as being hyper-nobody told me not to drink cough syrup or eat potato chips, as they had iodine in them that messed up the results back then. He was interested in me because I was so skinny, had lots of energy, but I had dry skin, irregular menses, etc. He said -"Good-bye- I'm leaving to become an endocrinologist. I know your hormones are off, and I can't forget that woman in the straight jacket. I thought my tour of the hospital was finished, when a nurse said, 'Do you want to see the crazy lady on the third floor?'" It was that quick for her. I could tell the difference in 3 days. I was much less moody. I think that I fought so hard to stay on my feet, that sometimes it transferred to others. I wasn't abusive, but I did have a quick and sharp tongue. I just felt calmer and more relaxed. And I began to gain weight- honest to god. The doctors were surprised as they thought that I'd get skinnier. Keep us up to date on how it goes--- maybe we can get together and have a hypothyroid and we can eat all we want party LOL

Hi declansmom. I really never congratulated you on your child. How wonderful to have a baby. Does his dad know what you're going through, uh husband? This is where dads are really important to take over. Just having a baby and being healthy is a huge demand on us. Hope he is bringing you joy to help get through this rough patch.

I have also learned that the brain fog and anxiety can be a part of the thyroid problem. I am actually losing words in speech and having a kind of aphasia. My doctor says it happens at the higher TSH. He also said once i am back down it will go away. As Meyati says, we act differently to the condition as well as the meds. This will get better and life will be better in general once your medication kicks in. Hang in there a bit longer.

Thank you Karen :) I will let you know how things progress- I too have trouble remembering words and also what I went in the next room for quite often. My husband is supportive. I don't think either of us really understands this well yet and I don't think it's possible for him to relate to how I feel currently but he tries. I also teach first grade and school begins Monday! A little nervous because it seens worse in busy areas. Are there any foods/beverages I should add to my diet/avoid? Thx :)

high protein helped me. Also a yogurt for an energy snack-you know how it is- get out on the yard this week. Meet those buses in the AM or the drivers quit. I hope that you teach high school. That's so much easier. You don't have to tie anybody's shoes, and they keep track of their jackets. Sometimes they'll bring a pregnant girlfriend to class, but you don't have to tie her shoes. baby's Daddy does that. They'll also bring you a cup of coffee on your cranky days.

Very funny. Good ideas. I needed a laugh too. Brain fog is tough when you are used to a clearer view of the world.

And declansmom, just forgive yourself if you mess up. You have a real reason. Of course, once this is better neither of us will have a perfect reason for normal forgetting. Oh well. Take what you get. lol. Karen

New question. Why is my freeT4 normal 1.6 when my TsH is so elevated 24.8? Could this be a pituitary issue?? Maybe caused by breastfeeding? An adrenal insufficiency? My calcium levels were also low in my blood work too. When I went to the dr initially I had tachycardia so wouldn't a hypo medication make that worse- I also overheated more than I am cold??? I'm beyond confused now!

You have so many things going on at one time. You need to take one thing at a time. Your doctor is taking care of the most serious thing. Then trust him to take care of the next most serious thing. I don't know if your doctor told you all of the possibilities, or you're desperately trying to figure out what's wrong and looking up symptoms. If he tries to treat you for too many things at one time, there can be mistakes- false readings, etc. Let him take care of one thing at a time-and see what else that cures. Ultimately, you'll get well quicker, feel better quicker, and actually be healthy. Focus on one problem at a time- After your thyroid is stabilized some other problems may very well go away- Your thyroid controls many other glands-they might very well stabilize. Remember you have a good Doctor. Trust him. He's taking care of the most important things-your heart and your thyroid. Give him a chance. This will give you a chance.

I do know what it's like-but not from thyroid-I was given a med that made me pee black for over 2 months,drs prognosed kidney dialysis by 2017, my Achilles tendons went out, and I spent the winter in Phys. therp., causes diabetes, lots of muscle cramps, dehydration-seriously the list is endless. When I first went in- my doctor cried-because he did this. We talked and decided that we couldn't be overwhelmed. We are taking one issue at a time, as it comes up. This causes many people to have back spasms on the left side- severe back spasms-Lidocaine patches took care of that-he had to fight the HMO and government and scream-I'm allergic to aspirin-Ibuprofin-Tylenol, etc. We had to prove that I didn't have arthritis-I guess for some record keepers for the FDA-who knows. He found a way around the system by calling the Lidocaine company, and they had a salesman drop off samples for me. I thought that I needed more potassium and people were telling me to drink water. My potassium level is in the high end of normal, so he had me add salt to my diet-so I eat a pretzel or a chip, and I stopped dehydrating. I always need to watch myself. The salt causes my tissues to hold water.

The T4 is ignored by us non medicals. This is important to know. It remains a snap shot for that day. Another day another reading. Stay focused on your extremely high TSH. The physician looks at it for trends. Just forget about it unless you have extensively studied Endo.

Calcium drops for nursing moms. Be sure to eat plenty of dairy and calcium rich foods. I believe nursing moms are to have 1800mg calcium per day with vitamin D3. Caltrate chewables work very well. They dissolve in the mouth and give a better response than tablets which often do not dissolve. Have them with food, yogurt, milk, something containing calcium as the calcium absorbs better then.

Water, water water, nursing moms need tons of fresh water.

The heart trouble is due to calcium too low, thyroid too high, dehydration, just to name a few problems. With your strong weight loss your body is going into a starvation mode just like any anorexic does.

Time to fight your way out. The anxiety of wondering but not doing is the thyroid. Please trust us and your doctors and get going on the meds, ok? Truly, once you are getting the med you will start feeling better. Otherwise that cute little Declan is not going to have a mom around as you will be in a hospital. Really this is that serious.permanent heart damage, organ failure, brain issues, not a good idea for a happy mom or a long and healthy life.

Got it? I hope so for your son and husband. By the way, what is your husband saying? He can help you keep track while your head is fogged. Wish I could sit with you and help. This is all up to you. My thoughts are with you that this turns around very swiftly. Karen

Self diagnosis is dangerous. Unless one actually has the years of training in the specific field all we really do is scare ourselves and fail to do what we need. Like take meds and see a doctor, right?

Many of the questions you have should be written down and taken to your doctor appointment on Monday. the doc will give you answers. And drop the adrenal insufficiency as a problem. Even if you have this, which isnt likely, you are certainly under stress, only a doctor could do something about it. Just ask the doctor.

tomorrow morning first thing take your first synthroid dose. Docs don't like people who don't comply with meds. It compromises their treatment plans and cranky docs respond poorly to you. You want the best and will receive that when you do your part. This is a safe and wise medication to do. Deadly if you don't. Millions of us take this every day.

Hey-Declan is a teacher-the one thing we know is how to prepare. I think she's doing research, so she'll be the most knowledgeable patient her doctor ever had. There's something about personal experience that gives more understanding than reading a text book.

Good point. The doctor is an excellent resource. I always ask for supplementary readings, web sites and the like. Since my back ground includes microbiology, psychology degree, biology degree and tons of science. I get it. But I also know when to be lazy and let the pros do it. Once I have their facts I go at it. Foundation is the key.

Hi Declansmommy, congratulations. Having a new baby is wonderful and amazing. Your son is only 7 months and from what I have read women can have thyroid issues even after a year of having a baby. I have just found this website, stopthethyroidmadness.com, and I have learned some very interesting things. Mainly that the TSH doesn't mean anything when it comes to the thyroid gland itself. TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hormone. Which is the main reason I have not gotten anywhere with my doctors while I sit here at home suffering with symptoms myself. My TSH is always around 0.5 when it gets tested, and because of being in that normal range they never test my free T4 and free T3 or anything else. So, I am stuck feeling like crap. All the information about the blood tests and what it all means does get confusing, so I don't want to confuse you more. But, the fact that you have more than TSH tested is a good thing.

After taking the med for a while, they will need to continue testing more than just the TSH as the TSH is not the correct way to dose or diagnose a thyroid problem. I think I would prefer now if doctors would treat you more by your symptoms than the TSH. Sadly for me, it is looking more like I have a pituitary problem than a thyroid problem, even though I have an enlarged thyroid and nodules. But I agree with the others to start the med and tell the dr when you started it and why. I wish you all the best in your treatment and hopefully your thyroid will normalize. Enjoy your baby because they grow so fast. HUGS. Ruthy

I joined this site well over a year ago, and I think you are the first I have responded to. When I went to my Dr. The first time, I too was very under- weight, and could hardly get out of bed in the mornings... etc, etc. I am now 50, and just thought it was menopause. My first TSH was 47 I think. Dr was amazed that I could even get out of bed! I started taked a low dose of levothyroxine(25),then having my blood checked every 6 weeks. I am going to tell you that of course everyone is different, but even on the meds I still did not feel well for weeks, or even months, and to top it all off, I gained about 20-25 pounds. Then I had a friend tell me to stop with the levothyroxine, it is a generic, and that for thyroid issues one should take Synthroid. Do some research on generic verses non. The results will amaze you. It was almost an immediate change for me. I started feeling better, had more energy, and the weight just kind of started to melt away... finally. Sorry for babblying on... but I do understand what you are going through, and never having had any health issues prior, I too was freaked out. It does take time and patients, but hang in there... there is light at the end of the hypo tunnel... my best to you and your family

What do I need to do in order to have my doc change me over to synthroid? I'm on day 3 of meds and now I have terrible aching in my legs and arms, wake up with swollen fingers and feet and my fingers are stiff feeling and sore... Ughhh no fun :)) I guess this is only the beginning- thank you!

Hi there again,My suggestion to you is... it's your body and your life... my insurance does not pay for the synthroid, but it really didnt matter to me because I was at a point that I would pay just about anything to feel better/ more normal than I was. I guess I would discuss this with your physician, and maybe do a lil reseach yourself online in regards to the differences between generics & non generics. I insisted to be prescribed the synthroid, and my Dr. appologized and said that she just assumed that would be ok, due to insurance. I too felt overwhelmed, and confused, with all the same symptoms. It has been a little over a year now since I was diagnosed, and I feel so much better now. All my best to you

Declansmommy- you should explain the swelling symptoms to your physician as well... you made need pills for fluid retention (I needed these along the way too). The leg pains are pretty common... sometimes even to this day I get the pains in my joints, but ibuprofen helped at times. I am not a huge fan of pain relievers (even just over the counter lol) so I usually tried to ride it out.

Declans- you need to see your doctor right now--- It's too soon to be having these side -effects--Usually thyroid supplements don't hit so quickly- you need to find out if this is from the synthroid or another problem--- Don't wait around---

I have had hypothyroidism since I was a teenager. I can't really explain it, but for some reason after both pregnancies I was really skinny too... and the 2nd was a twin pregnancy! I had only gained about 20 lbs w/ that and only 12 lbs w/ the singleton pregnancy. Somehow/someway my body lost a ton of weight, all I can gather is the the hormones from the pregnancy mixed w/ the issues w/ my thyroid caused it all?? Anyway, I finally went back to normal about 5 mos. after pregnancy (even though I'd rather be skinnier again lol). I do know it is very common for a pregnancy to follow with thyroid problems, so what you are going through is pretty common. You will notice a HUGE change once the medication kicks in. It should take anywhere b/t 1-2 mos. It's VERY important that you take the pill at the same time every day (morning is a good time since it's on an empty stomach, the medication absorbs best on an empty stomach), you take the actually name brand 'synthroid' not generic, and NEVER miss a pill... this is VERY important b/c missing one pill can throw off your levels all over again. Everything will get back to normal, just make sure you take your pills as directed... you will follow with bloodwork ever so often, and the dr. will adjust your dosage if needed, but no matter what just follow doctors orders and you should be fine. Hope this helps :)

Hi shannygirl :)Thank you - I am on day 3 of meds. I don't know if it's the Levo meds or part of being hashi/hypo or whatever but since I started the meds I wake up with swollen hands and feet and my hands are so stiff and sore its hard to type this. My legs and arms also ache :( my short term memory problem seems a fraction better. I don't have an endo appt yet but when I get one ... Is switching to synthroid my choice or can they tell me no? I want to try it and my insurance will cover it. Thanks

Get in to see whatever doc you have right away. The symptoms are some of the main problems of too high TSH. Swelling often comes from heart problems. Which is one of the problems your high numbers make. Your body is reacting to those high numbers. If you see anything getting worse or the swelling creeps up your legs and /or arms, you need to get into an ER. These are not normal symptoms and many organs can be affected. They may want to observe you as they do additional medications so that you are safe.all of this is quite serious. You have to be well for the baby and this is very serious. If you start shaking, memory is really messed up, pain in abdomen, just to name a few changes, it is time for the ER. This can turn deadly. I want you well and healthy. The thyroid not working is very manageable with medication. Please let me know what you decide. My prayers are with you. Karen

I agree you definitely need to be seen for the swelling... I use to be hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid, diagnosed w/ graves disease, but took radioactive pill which made me now hypothyroidism) and my ankles and fingers swelled all the time, so the other poster is right you may be experiencing these symptoms b/c the dose is too high. You may need pills for fluid retention as your body is adjusting to the meds... but talk to dr asap, I would even explain this to your endocrinologist you are making an app. w/ so they can get you in quicker.

Just to clear up something, Shannygirl. The TSH is too high so she needs more synthroid. She has been holding off taking it waiting for another doctor. I have added below this question info from a med site which may be helpful. Karen

Yes, I understand I was just saying that due to the swelling starting just when she began treatment it may be an indication that her body is having trouble adjusting to the meds- maybe too high dose, or needs fluid retention pills to aid in the adjustment... I was just pointing out I was hyperthyroid before being hypothyroid and the feet and hands swelling was a symptom I experienced (thus it may be the dosage is too high or the body is having trouble adjusting for one reason or another).

No! Please! You are still misunderstanding how this works. High TSH means more medication. Less medication raises the TSH. Please don't second guess the doctor. You need more meds than you are taking. TSH too high also causes swelling. This is a warning sign of impending heart damage. Water pills may not be right because the body is under huge distress right now. This is one for the doctor. An endocrinogist will take you immediately if you tell the scheduler that you are seriously ill. Sorry, dear, but you really are.

And I did know you were now taking it, which is wonderful. was answering shanny so she understood the history. Your doc may very well up the med quite a bit. Please read the excerpt below.

Also, swelling is due to heart problems and kidney. These are deeply affected with high TSH. I am very ill at 8.59. I don't even know how you are functioning. As my doc said this is an emergency situation and you should be seeing someone right away.

Ok... I will call my OB first thing in the morning and ask him who the endo is that he referred me to- he said I should call him back and let him know if the endo office didn't call me by tomorrow anyway. I will let him know about the swelling and pain and ask what we can do to rush an appt. Sound good?

This is exactly why I was trying to explain that the many other explanations there could be for the swelling, etc. Especially that you mention the 'urgent care' doctor was very unclear and uncertain about your condition and what he was prescribing. I have seen people with TSH in the 600's starting off with a dosage of just 75... the 100 dose could be too much for your body, especially only weighing in at just 100 lbs. This is why I explain it could even be causing your body to begin feeling symptoms of hyperthyroid (b/c of the pains and swelling you are experiencing) or your body is having trouble adjusting to such a high dosage right off the bat (in my experience, it's better to start at a lower dosage- rather than higher- and work your way up as needed so the body does not have a lot of trouble adjusting). The T3 and T4 is probably showing normal b/c your pituatary gland is over-working itself just to keep those in normal range (thus the high TSH level).

Really you need a full thyroid panel, testing Free T3 and Free T4 to determine a more precise dosage for you, especially now that these other symptoms of swelling are suddenly present. Your OBGYN should be able to be a little more helpful, they generally test on a broader spectrum (or at least in my experience)... but the #1 thing is see that endocrinologist asap to get proper treatment from someone who is a specialist for your condition.

If you click on the left panel to 'dosage and administration' (page 3) it gives you an idea based on weight of where you should start out at. It says 1.7 mcg per kg each day... 1 kg=2.2 lbs. So, w/ your weight at 100 lbs, divide 100/2.2=45.4 and then multiply 45.4x1.7=77.18 mcg. Furthermore, you are considered subclinical hypothyroid... which means high TSH b/t 5-25 w/ normal T3 and T4 readings. If you scroll down to the very bottom of the page to 'subclinical hypothyroidism' it says an even lower dosage is suggested for such patients... at 1 mcg per 2.2 lbs (or per 1kg). So that would put you at a dose of 45.4x1=45.4 mcg! Once again, you may be having trouble adjusting b/c the dose is just too high, you must be seen by a professional. I would ask the nurse (when making your appt.) if you should split the pill you are currently taking in 1/2 (given the sudden symptoms you are feeling) until you are seen.

Ok... on the first labs my Free T4 was in normal range. on the second labs just a few days later free T4 had already gone down to .7 and TSH was up to 35 so I think that is why the 100mcg was chosen. Spoke to my doctor today. I am not loving him and searching for a new doctor but he said the swelling is not dangerous. He believes the sore joints would have come along even if I hadn't started the meds as a result of too much TSH and being hypo. He said just keep taking the pill every morning and I shouldn't be worried unless I start having heat palpitations.

"At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms. Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include:

FatigueSluggishnessIncreased sensitivity to coldConstipationPale, dry skinA puffy faceHoarse voiceAn elevated blood cholesterol levelUnexplained weight gainMuscle aches, tenderness and stiffnessPain, stiffness or swelling in your jointsMuscle weaknessHeavier than normal menstrual periodsBrittle fingernails and hairDepressionWhen hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.

Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal."

I'm just trying to understand more. If the TSH is that high but T3 and T4 are normal, wouldn't that be a pituitary problem? I have every symptom of hypo yet my TSH was 0.7 in March, and from what I have read having hypo symptoms but normal TSH is hypopituitarism. So if her TSH is that high, wouldn't that be in the same realm?

ruthy... my most recent Free T4 was also .7 but I was told that is not considered normal range. I have also been told that my antibody level was high. When I go in to the endo they are going to examine my neck and possibly give me an ultrasound of my thyroid. My understanding is they want to decide if the high antibody is a result of Hashimoto disease or if I might have a nodule that needs biopsied. I have heard , however that high TSH with normal free T4 is indicative of a pituitary issue especially if you have some hyper symptoms(racing heart,etc). It seems there are many variables to all of this

Let's keep this simple-a low TSH means that you have too much thyroid in your system-a high TSH means that you don't have enough thyroid in your system. We have a gland in our brain that makes an artificial thyroid when our thyroid gland isn't producing enough. The problem is that the gland is unpredictable, and its hormone doesn't help the body much. If it worked well, they wouldn't be testing the output of that gland.

It takes about 6 weeks for a thyroid supplement to work properly, which is why doctors wait 6 weeks to have another thyroid panel done. If side effects hit a person in the first week-second week, etc. That person needs to get into a doctor immediately-preferably the doctor taking care of the thyroid. Unfortunately eating lots of shell fish, taking cough syrup for a cold, snacking a lot on potato chips, and some other OTC medications can change the iodine and thyroid balance in a body. Again-mood changes, drastic weight change, swelling of feet, rages, acute depression, in the first week of a thyroid regime or the change of a thyroid regime requires the patient to see the doctor immediately. A person that doesn't do this can die- I mean die-not a month later- not a week later but die- I lived in a small uranium mining community-about 3,000 in the town- with out-lying pueblos. In 4 weeks-5 women died- the state medical examiner found they all had thyroid troubles. A few went to doctors in the area-or out to the big city. Several thought they had the flu- tired-depressed. Another woman began gaining weight big time-by that time the autopsy reports were in-She gained a 100 lbs in 3 weeks-she ran a dress shop. She had hypothyroid-and the pills settled her thyroid down, but she never lost the weight. My doctor ran a thyroid scan on me because of my dry skin, etc. He put me on synthroid-and I had negative side-effects in 3 days. I called him-he fit me in and he took care of the problem. Remember LET THE DOCTOR MANAGE YOU-LET HIM KNOW ABOUT NEGATIVE SIDE-EFFECTS IMMEDIATELY-IT TAKES ABOUT 6 WEEKS FOR THE HORMONE GLANDS AND YOUR BODY TO ADJUST TO A HEALTHY BALANCE. EAT YOUR NORMAL DIET. If a country doctor can handle things-like mine did, specialists can take better care of you.